Newsletter

If you have an item that you would like included in our newsletter or you would like to enquire about ad placements, please email newsletter@smashburton.catholic.edu.au. Arrangements must be finalised by Wednesday at 6:00pm to be included in the next day’s newsletter.

The St Michael’s Parent Handbook has been compiled to provide parents with information regarding daily organisational procedures at the school and to enhance communication between parents and the school. Please keep this handbook as a helpful reference.

Uniform

The St Michael’s Uniform Shop is run by parent volunteers.
Uniform can be ordered through our Online Uniform Shop (link below) and will be delivered to your child’s class via the office basket.
Alternatively, the Uniform Shop is open on the first Monday of every month.

Parents’ and Friends’ Auxiliary

The Parents’ and Friends’ Auxiliary (PFA) is a committee that performs two vital roles at St Michael’s: (1) coordination of fundraising, and (2) organising social events.

Fundraising

It is only through fundraising that we are able to maintain and improve many of the amenities and resources the children use on a daily basis. With the support of the parent community, the PFA has facilitated essential projects such as technology upgrades, air conditioning in classrooms, purchasing and maintaining maths and literacy resources, and upgrading playground facilities.

Social Events

Social events organised by the PFA are designed to draw the St Michael’s community together. They provide valuable opportunities to share a drink, have a chat, laugh, form friendships, and to belong.

How to Become Involved

The PFA Committee is elected at an Annual General Meeting held in Term 4. All parents, including new Prep parents, receive notification of the meeting and a nomination form for the following committee positions:

President

Vice-President

Secretary

Treasurer

General Committee

Class Coordinator

Class Representatives (two from each class)

The PFA meets on the first Wednesday of each month. From time to time, sub-committees are formed to focus on specific events or fundraising efforts. Notification of activities and meetings will be published in the school newsletter. All parents/caregivers are encouraged to consider participating in this vital part of the school community.

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School Advisory Council

The School Advisory Council (SAC) provides parents/caregivers with the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes regarding educational policy and curriculum, and matters of finance and resources within the school. The SAC advises and supports the Parish Priest and Principal in fulfilling their responsibility and exercising their authority in regards to the management and future direction of St Michael’s.

The SAC consists of members from the following groups:

Ex Officio (Parish Priest and Principal)

Chairperson

Deputy Chairperson

Secretary

Staff Representative (Deputy Principal)

School Representatives (one from each year level)

The SAC meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Requests for nominations will be published in the school newsletter early in Term 4.

School Enhancement

‘School Enhancement’ is the term given to the working bees at St Michael’s. Each family is encouraged to participate in school enhancement sessions to maintain and develop the school facilities and grounds. These sessions are also a terrific way to network and make connections with other families.

Families who attend two or more sessions are exempt from paying the annual $200 school enhancement fee. Some families have indicated that they are happy to attend the enhancement sessions without claiming the $200 rebate. Please advise the school office if this if your preference.

Enhancement sessions are held six times a year, either on a Friday evening at 5:00 – 7:00pm or a Saturday morning at 9:00 – 11:00am. To register for a session, please visit www.schoolinterviews.com.au and use code3pd4d . Bookings will remain open throughout the year.

In 2020, School Enhancement sessions will take place on:

Friday 6th March at 5:00 – 7:00pm

Saturday 2nd May at 9:00 – 11:00am- Cancelled

Saturday 8th August at 9:00 – 11:00am

Saturday 12th September at 9:00 – 11:00am

Friday 16th Ocotber at 5:00 – 7:00pm

Friday 6th November 5:00 – 7:00pm

Out of School Hours Care

The St Michael’s Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) program is run by Extend Australia. Extend runs supervised care for students Monday to Friday, 7:00 – 8:30am and 3:30 – 6:00pm. Our program meets the National Accreditation Standards for OSHC.

To make a booking, please visit the Parent Portal at www.extend.com.au. To cancel a booking, please call customer service at Extend on 1300 366 437 or alternatively, call the Service Phone on 0430 301 135.